“We should work together with Leonardo to explore possibilities”
Leonardo Fornaroli has emerged as a potential Haas candidate for 2027 amid growing uncertainty about the American team’s future lineup.
The reigning Formula 2 champion, who is backed by McLaren, surprisingly tested Haas machinery at Jerez last week as part of the team’s TPC program.
The team says it has “the capacity to test and appraise drivers through its TPC program,” which has been boosted for 2026 with the new prominent backing by Toyota.
The test came just days after McLaren boss Andrea Stella confirmed the team is actively looking for a Formula 1 opportunity for the 21-year-old Italian.
“Leonardo is certainly an asset for Formula 1 in the future,” Stella said in Barcelona.
“Leonardo, we want him to drive, certainly.”
Stella suggested McLaren is open to placing Fornaroli elsewhere on the grid before any future move to the works team.
“We should work together with Leonardo to explore possibilities in Formula 1,” he said.
Haas is expected to retain Ferrari junior Oliver Bearman for 2027, but Esteban Ocon’s future appears less certain.
The development is also another obstacle for reserve driver Jack Doohan, who has been rebuilding his career at Haas after losing his Alpine race seat.
“If I managed to get back into a car, that would be amazing,” the Australian told Fox Sports’ Pit Talk podcast.
“But I know there are a lot more things than normal that are playing as a factor.”
Doohan insists he is trying not to become consumed by speculation.
“I’m just focusing exactly on what’s in my control,” he said.
“There are opportunities that will come into my control that, in order to be in my control, are a little bit outside my control, if that makes sense.”
He added: “I think there is a good opportunity, but I’m not in the same place where it’s the be-all and end-all.”
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